Jose Mourinho set to take over as Portugal manager as Fernando Santos quits

Portugal have parted ways with coach Fernando Santos following their World Cup quarter-final loss to Morocco.

Santos had been under contract until after Euro 2024, but the Portuguese Football Federation said now was the 'right time to start a new cycle'.

The 68-year-old took over in October 2014 and guided Portugal to success at Euro 2016 and then again in the inaugural 2019 Nations League campaign.

Despite losing to South Korea in their last Group H match in Qatar, Portugal progressed as winners and beat Switzerland 6-1 in the last 16 when Santos removed Cristiano Ronaldo from the starting lineup.

Ronaldo started on the bench again for the quarter-final as Morocco cruised to a memorable 1-0 win with a first-half header from Youssef En-Nesyri.

Santos has insisted he has no regrets over the decisions regarding Ronaldo, who was left in tears at the final whistle.

Portugal will now begin the process of appointing a new head coach, with Roma boss Jose Mourinho an early favorite for the job.

A statement from the Portuguese Football Federation read: "It was an honor to have a coach and a person like Fernando Santos at the helm of the national team.

"The FPF thanks Fernando Santos and his technical team for the services provided during eight unique years and believes that these thanks are also given on behalf of the Portuguese people.

“The FPF Board of Directors will now begin the selection process for the next national coach.”

According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, the next coach could be Jose Mourinho, with the Roma boss high on the Portuguese Football Federation's wish list.

The role interests Mourinho but he does not want to leave Roma halfway through his reconstruction project.

It was therefore proposed that the 59-year-old manage both sides simultaneously.

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